What Is Lingual Orthodontics?
Lingual orthodontics uses custom braces bonded to the back surfaces of your teeth, the tongue side, making them completely invisible when you smile, speak, or laugh. This treatment corrects the same issues as traditional braces while staying hidden from view. At Boller Orthodontic Arts in Crown Point, IN, Dr. Boller offers this discreet option for patients who want effective orthodontic correction without anyone knowing they’re wearing braces.
Unlike traditional braces that sit on the front of your teeth, lingual braces work behind the scenes. They treat the same orthodontic concerns you’d address with conventional braces: crowding, spacing, overbites, underbites, and crossbites. Each bracket is custom-fabricated to fit the unique contours of your individual tooth surfaces, allowing for precise and comfortable treatment. Most patients report adapting to the brackets within two to four weeks, though everyone’s experience varies a bit.
This approach appeals to adults and teens who prioritize aesthetics during their treatment. Working professionals, performers, public speakers, and patients who simply prefer privacy all benefit from braces no one can see. Lingual braces let you straighten your teeth on your own terms, without changing how you smile in meetings, on stage, or in everyday conversations along the way.
Benefits of Lingual Braces vs. Traditional Options
Choosing lingual orthodontics comes with distinct advantages that set it apart from both traditional braces and Invisalign.
The biggest draw is complete invisibility. Lingual braces remain hidden behind your teeth at all times, so there’s no metal visible when you smile, take photos, or present at work. For professionals, performers, and anyone in the public eye, that quiet discretion can shape the entire treatment experience.
They’re also remarkably effective for complex cases. Some orthodontic issues require the precision and control that fixed braces provide, and lingual braces deliver that same effectiveness for cases that Invisalign may not fully address, including severe rotations, significant bite corrections, or intricate tooth movements that demand careful sequencing.
Beyond visibility and clinical range, lingual braces solve two practical problems many patients overlook. Compliance isn’t a worry the way it is with removable aligners. You can’t forget to wear lingual braces or leave them in a napkin at lunch. They work around the clock without asking anything of you between appointments. Custom fabrication also matters, since every bracket is designed specifically for your teeth rather than pulled from a standard set. The custom fit allows for tooth movement tailored to your anatomy.
There’s a cosmetic perk most people don’t think about until afterward, too. With traditional braces, some patients notice slight discoloration around brackets after removal. Lingual braces sidestep this concern entirely since they’re positioned where no one sees them, and any minor surface variation stays out of view permanently.
| Feature | Lingual Braces | Traditional Braces | Invisalign |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visibility | Completely hidden | Visible | Nearly invisible |
| Removability | Fixed | Fixed | Removable |
| Complex case suitability | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate |
| Compliance required | None | None | High |
| Custom fit | Fully custom | Standard brackets | Custom aligners |
The confidence boost throughout treatment shouldn’t be underestimated. Many patients feel more comfortable smiling during their orthodontic care when they know their braces aren’t visible to anyone around them.
The Lingual Braces Treatment Process in Crown Point
Here’s what to expect with lingual braces at our practice in Crown Point.
Step 1: Consultation and Digital Scan
Your treatment begins with a free consult at Boller Orthodontic Arts. Dr. Boller will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and determine whether lingual braces are the right fit for your situation. We use digital scanning technology to capture detailed 3D images of your teeth, with no messy impressions needed.
Step 2: Custom Bracket Fabrication
Once you decide to move forward, your digital scans are sent to a specialized lab. Technicians create brackets designed to match the exact contours of each tooth’s lingual surface. This process takes several weeks, but the precision is worth the wait.
Step 3: Bonding Appointment
When your custom brackets arrive, you’ll return for your bonding appointment. Dr. Boller carefully positions each bracket on the tongue-side surface of your teeth. This appointment typically takes longer than traditional braces placement due to the precision required.
Step 4: Adjustment Visits
You’ll visit our practice every six to eight weeks for adjustments. During these appointments, Dr. Boller will check your progress, make wire changes, and ensure your treatment stays on track.
Step 5: Debonding and Retainer Phase
When your teeth reach their ideal positions, we remove the brackets and fit you with retainers to maintain your results. Your new smile is ready to reveal, though it’s been quietly forming the whole time.
Treatment duration varies based on complexity. Most patients wear lingual braces for 18 to 36 months. Dr. Boller will give you a personalized timeline during your consultation.
Are You a Candidate for Lingual Braces in Crown Point?
Lingual braces work well for adults and teens with mild to moderately complex alignment issues who want a fully invisible option and have enough tooth height for secure bracket bonding. Strong candidates also commit to thorough oral hygiene and accept a brief speech-adjustment period. Here’s a closer look at who fits and who doesn’t.
Good candidates include:
- Adults who want a completely invisible orthodontic solution
- Teens feeling self-conscious about traditional braces during the school year
- Working professionals who value discretion through every appointment
- Anyone with mild to fairly complex alignment issues
- Patients whose teeth offer adequate height for secure bracket bonding
- Those willing to keep up with thorough daily oral hygiene
Lingual braces may not be ideal for:
- Patients with severe deep bites, where brackets may contact opposing teeth
- People whose teeth are too small to comfortably accommodate brackets
- Anyone unwilling to adjust through the brief speech-change period
- Cases where another option would simply be more efficient
The best way to know is to schedule a free consult at Boller Orthodontic Arts. Dr. Boller will evaluate your specific situation and give you honest recommendations. If lingual braces aren’t your best option, she’ll explain why and suggest alternatives that better fit your needs.
Why Choose Boller Orthodontic Arts for Lingual Orthodontics in Crown Point
When you’re considering an advanced treatment like lingual orthodontics, the expertise of your orthodontist matters.
Dr. Boller, DDS, MS is a specialist-trained orthodontist who brings clinical precision and an artist’s eye to every case. Her multi-specialty post-doctoral training prepared her for complex treatments that require advanced technique and careful planning. Lingual orthodontics demands this level of expertise, since the bracket placement and wire adjustments are more technically challenging than with traditional braces.
At Boller Orthodontic Arts, you’re known by name from your first call to your final retainer check. As a true private practice, we treat every patient like family. You’ll see Dr. Boller at every appointment, not a rotating cast of providers. She personally oversees your treatment from start to finish.
Our Crown Point, IN practice offers several orthodontic options beyond lingual braces, including traditional braces, Invisalign, early Phase 1 treatment for kids, and specialty appliances. We shape your care around what fits your goals and your daily life.
We use modern technology including digital scanning and imaging to plan your treatment with accuracy. This technology makes the lingual braces process more comfortable and predictable than ever before.
Serving Northwest Indiana families means we understand our community. Dr. Boller is a Lake Central High School graduate who chose to build her practice right here. That local connection shows in how we care for our patients, with every smile crafted through orthodontic artistry rooted in community.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lingual Braces
Do lingual braces hurt more than regular braces?
Lingual braces may cause more initial tongue discomfort compared to traditional braces since the brackets contact your tongue rather than your cheeks and lips. Most patients adapt within two to four weeks. Any soreness after adjustments is similar to what you’d experience with conventional braces. Over-the-counter pain relievers and orthodontic wax help manage discomfort during the adjustment period.
How long does lingual treatment take?
Treatment duration depends on the complexity of your case. Most patients wear lingual braces for 18 to 36 months. Simple cases may finish sooner, while complex bite corrections can take longer. Dr. Boller will provide a personalized estimate during your consultation based on your specific orthodontic needs.
Will lingual braces affect my speech?
A temporary lisp or slight change in pronunciation is common during the first couple of weeks. Your tongue needs time to adjust to brackets sitting where it normally rests against the back of your teeth. Speech usually returns to normal within two to four weeks, and reading aloud at home for a few minutes a day speeds things along.
How much do lingual braces cost in Crown Point?
Lingual braces typically cost more than traditional braces due to the custom fabrication and specialized technique required. In many cases, the investment runs noticeably higher than standard metal braces and is often comparable to or slightly above premium Invisalign treatment. At our Crown Point practice, we offer payment plans to make treatment accessible and work with most major insurance plans. During your free consult, we’ll provide a detailed cost estimate and discuss financing options that fit your budget.
Can teens get lingual braces?
Yes, teens can be excellent candidates for lingual braces, especially those who feel self-conscious about wearing visible braces during high school. The key requirements are adequate tooth size for bracket placement and commitment to thorough oral hygiene. Dr. Boller evaluates each teen individually to determine if lingual braces are appropriate for their specific situation.
How do I clean lingual braces properly?
Cleaning lingual braces requires extra attention since you can’t easily see the brackets. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush angled toward the gum line, and brush after every meal. Floss threaders or water flossers help clean between teeth and around brackets. We’ll demonstrate proper technique and recommend specific tools during your bonding appointment.
Schedule Your Lingual Braces Consultation in Crown Point
Ready to explore whether lingual orthodontics is right for you? Boller Orthodontic Arts offers free consults at our Crown Point and Dyer, IN locations. Dr. Boller will examine your teeth, listen to your goals, and give you straightforward recommendations with no pressure, just honest guidance.
During your visit, you’ll learn whether lingual braces suit your specific case or if another option might serve you better. Either way, you’ll leave with a clear understanding of your choices.
Book your free consult today:
- Call us at (219) 322-7645
- Schedule online
- Visit our Crown Point or Dyer, IN locations during regular practice hours
We serve families throughout Crown Point, Dyer, and the surrounding Northwest Indiana communities. Come see what care from a true private practice feels like, where every patient is treated like family and every smile is designed with intention.